In a surprising turn of events, golf superstar Rory McIlroy has filed for divorce from his wife, Erica Stoll, just as he prepares to participate in the 2024 PGA Championship. The news, confirmed by McIlroy's communications team and online court records in Palm Beach County, Florida, comes on the heels of his 26th PGA Tour win at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
McIlroy, a Northern Irishman, and Stoll, a former PGA of America employee, first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll was working as a PGA transport official. Their relationship evolved from friendship to romance over the course of two years, culminating in their engagement in Paris in December 2015. The couple tied the knot in April 2017 at Ashford Castle in Ireland and welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, in September 2020.
The timing of the divorce filing is notable, as it occurred the day after McIlroy's triumphant win at the Wells Fargo Championship and just before his arrival at Valhalla Golf Club for the 2024 PGA Championship. The 35-year-old golfer's last major victory was a decade ago at the same venue, the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.
In a statement to Golfweek, McIlroy's team emphasized his wish to navigate this challenging period with respect and amicability. "This difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible," the statement read. McIlroy has decided not to make any further comments on the matter.
The couple's story began with a memorable incident at the 2012 Ryder Cup when Stoll assisted McIlroy in securing a police escort after a faulty alarm almost caused him to miss his tee time. This event marked the beginning of their friendship, which later blossomed into love, even as McIlroy was dating Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki at the time.
Despite the personal turmoil, McIlroy is set to return to action at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
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